Overview

Conduct original research in an area that is of interest to you and of broader significance to the University, industry and the community, with the assistance of an experienced research supervisory team.

The PhD includes:

engagement in a substantial research project at the frontier of its field leading to the presentation of a thesis in an approved thesis format

a component of required coursework usually undertaken in the first year

training and other opportunities for the development of research, generic and transferable skills through participation in both formal and informal learning.

You will also learn to be an effective communicator through the presentation and defense of your research in a wide variety of contexts such as:

Course structure

The PhD is a research based degree with a maximum duration of 4 years (full time) and 8 years (part time).
As well as enrolling in Research Thesis units Doctor of Philosophy (Science) students will be required to complete two coursework units, ROP8001 and ROP8002.

An average result of 70% is required in the compulsory coursework units in order to proceed to candidature confirmation. Ongoing progression is subject to policy and procedures for candidature management as per the VU HDR Policy.

expert understanding of a substantial body of theory and its practical application at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including substantial expert knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to the field.

2.

intellectual independence and cognitive skills to undertake a systematic investigation, reflect critically on theory and practice and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, including identifying, evaluating and critically analysing the validity of research studies and their applicability to a research problem.

3.

expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to: design, develop and implement a research project/s to systematically investigate a research problem; develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge; manage, analyse, evaluate and interpret data, synthesising key ideas and theorising within the context of key literature.

4.

expert communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; to disseminate and promote new insights; and to cogently present a complex investigation of originality, or original research, both for external examination and to specialist (eg researcher peers) and non-specialist (industry and/or community) audiences through informal interaction, scholarly publications, reports and formal presentations.

5.

capacity to reflect on, develop and evaluate strategies for achieving their own learning and career goals.

6.

intellectual independence, initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning.

7.

ethical practice and full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs.

8.

autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and independent scholar.

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional \'elective\' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course.

Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU.
Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels,
so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through
to postgraduate study.

Contact the Graduate Research Centre

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.